With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a great place to visit on a road trip across the United States. You see, it has a little something for everyone, plus it’s huge. Best of all, Indiana has heaps of great places to visit dotted throughout the state. This means that even if you don’t drive to the North Shore, you’ll find a few gems.
Of course, you have great cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne to see, but you also have absolutely beautiful places in Indiana’s great outdoors. This means that you can visit Indiana’s cities but easily get to Indiana Dunes National Park and many other places.
So, to get the most out of your trip to Indiana, I’m sharing my favorite places you won’t want to miss. You will have a wonderful time exploring Indiana. have fun
1.) Cataract Falls
It may not be one of Indiana’s tallest waterfalls, that accolade goes to Williamsport Falls, but Cataract Falls and the massive state park are worth a visit.
Now, you can reach easily Cataract Falls By car, and there is parking right next to the falls. This makes it a great stopping point while exploring some of the best places to visit in Indiana. In my opinion, the short trip to the upper falls is well worth it, especially if you like to take a break from driving.
Once here, you can visit Little Sisters Falls, Upper Cataract Falls and Lower Cataract Falls. The falls themselves are not the tallest, but the trail up here is spectacular.
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2.) Indianapolis
Easily the most visited city in Indiana, Indianapolis is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a city break while traveling through the state. You can easily spend two nights here, and you’ll get a good taste of the city and see heaps of sights.
Once here, be sure to visit Iteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art. The museum is located at the entrance to White River State Park and is very easy to visit. Also, it has several collections of artworks, mostly assembled by Harrison Etteljorg.
Afterwards, head to World Famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s a great place to visit or watch a race if you time it right. Now, they’re doing some work on the museum (so double check that it’s open when you plan to visit), but it’s worth going for the trek tour.
Hungry? Head on Shapiro’s Delicatessen. It’s a messy place, and they’ve been going strong in Indianapolis for decades. Their pastrami sandwich is very good. Just make sure to come hungry because the sandwiches are huge.
Finally, don’t forget to stroll Indianapolis Canal Walk. It’s in the heart of Indianapolis and you can even rent paddleboards on warm sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the perfect stopping point if you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not only that, it’s a city with so much to see and do, and you can easily spend a night or two in the city center.
Once Be sure to catch a show while you’re here Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. The Buskirk Theater is a good place to see some of the best performances in the state, and it’s getting packed. You see, it showcases the talents of a range of artists both locally and through performances. Just be sure to book your tickets before you arrive in Bloomington, especially for the more popular shows.
Afterwards, go up Eskenazi Museum of Art. It is located in Indiana University and was established in 1941. The museum is home to around 48,000 pieces of art, most of which include works by Pablo Picasso, Monet, Pollock and some African art pieces. Also, the building itself is quite beautiful.
Finally, be sure to stop by Runcible spoon For brunch. They make one of the tastiest corned beef hashes and there are homemade pies to choose from. It is very good.
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4.) Nappanee
Nappanee is a relatively small town in Indiana, just south of Elkhart and a great stopping point when you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, the small town of Nappa has a lot of Amish influence. It is also home to many historic and tour-worthy locations, including the Round Barn, Copse Commons, Nappanee Center, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Remember to take a bite to eat Dutch Village Restaurant. Their giant tenderloin sandwiches are pretty good, and their homemade coleslaw is incredible.
Now, it’s worth noting that Nappani can be quite mild and quiet. This means visits won’t take more than 30 minutes, but it’s an easy stop on your drive south in Indiana.
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5.) Lafayette
On the main driving route between Indianapolis and Chicago (in Illinois), Lafayette is a city that’s not just about the city. Does that make sense?
You see, Lafayette has some of the best places to visit in Indiana if you’re a foodie. You see, they have the best donuts in all of Indiana Mary Lou Donuts. They are so fluffy, and the homemade icing is so good. Also, there are spots like you Triple XXX Family RestaurantIt’s a proper retro Indiana-style venue that’s pretty good. Their ‘Burt Burger’ is very tasty.
Don’t forget to visit Hahn Museum of Indiana Art. It’s a great way to learn more about Indiana’s amazing artists, and the building is over 100 years old. Oh, and don’t forget to search Fort Ouiatenon. It is a replica of a wooden reconstruction built centuries ago by the French colonialists.
Finally, remember what I said about Lafayette not just about the city? Well, the great outdoors around Lafayette are also spectacular. You have the Celery Bog Nature Area, which is great for a stroll. Also, you have Prophetstown State ParkIt’s great if you’re spending some time out of town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as delicious as it sounds! Well, mainly because I called it caramel on our trip to Indiana.
Either way, Carmel is really easy to visit if you’re in Indianapolis, since it’s just outside the city limits. Although to be honest, when you visit it feels like it’s one big city with no clear boundaries.
For something weird, pop by Museum of Miniatures. It is as eclectic as it sounds and very beautiful to visit. Also, be sure to close on Bub’s Burgers. They have the ‘Big Ugly Burger’ which is absolutely huge and very tasty. However, you cannot accomplish it alone.
7.) Indiana Dunes National Park
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park It’s one of the best places in Indiana to visit when you drive along the North Shore. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and you could easily spend an entire afternoon (or longer) in the park itself.
Love to dive into the summer months? Then, head to West Beach inside Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s so beautiful, and it has really great sandy stretches. Also, don’t forget to follow some of the trails and boardwalks around the national park – they are stunning.
8.) Fort Wayne
You can easily spend a night or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s a great stopping point in Indiana if you want to leave the car and stroll the city.
Once here, be sure to visit Lindenwood Nature Preserve. It has heaps of boardwalks and is a relaxing spot in the city itself. Also, don’t forget to pop in Fort Wayne Museum of Art It’s great to visit if you like modern art. Also, their Americana and classic toys displays are very good.
Oh, and be sure to grab a bite to eat Fort Wayne’s famous Coney Island. And just an FYI, it’s not actually in Coney Island. Their hot dogs and baked beans are very tasty.
9.) Columbia City
A small town in Indiana, Columbia City is more of a stopover than a destination. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it’s not a place where you’ll spend 3-4 days.
Once here, be sure to stroll through the city’s main County Court area, where you’ll find heaps of local restaurants and cafes. Stop by Pickles Cafe For brunch. Their french toast is very tasty.
10.) Kokomo
One of my favorite small towns in Indiana is probably Kokomo. You see, it’s small enough to see in a day (or afternoon) but big enough to explore over a few days.
For a relaxing day, head to Highland Park. It is a huge park and very beautiful on a hot summer day. Also, don’t forget to visit Seiberling Mansionwhich is now a museum. The building dates back to the 1800s and is as beautiful as the exhibits.
For some of Indiana’s best tacos, come on by 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. They also make incredible enchiladas.
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11.) South Bend
Michigan, with South Bend (and neighboring Notre Dame) not too far from the state border, is worth a visit for an overnight trip to Indiana. It’s a vibrant city and it’s thriving.
Once you get to South Bend, be sure to visit Studebaker National Museum. It’s a great place to explore vintage cars and history (and really interesting even if you’re not into cars).
Also, you have to stop Frankie’s BBQ. It’s one of the best BBQ restaurants in all of Indiana (shh, don’t tell the others). It’s a casual place to eat, and they have ribs and a sticky (and slightly tangy) sauce. Also, their mini-tips and catfish are great too.
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